"This is the city. A city known for leading edge medical research and quality health care. I tell you, mister, it's a caring part of the country where people put in a good day's work, every day. I work here, I'm the International Trade Advisor, I'm Joe Saturday. Ladies and Gentlemen, the story you are about to read is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

It was 9:44 PM on Saturday, October 30. I had just spoken to Arlene Arlington, head of hospital purchasing. "Joe, we have a medical emergency. A young woman was severely burned. The surgeon needs a shipment of leeches to prevent irreparable scarring of her face. Joe, we need a miracle." I promised Arlene that I would look into the facts, just the facts.

I and my team of keen investigators learned that leeches are not a throwback to the Dark Ages, when they were used to "let blood". Today leeches are used in cases of severe burns and limb reattachments. When compared to the drugs and mechanical devices that would otherwise be used, these tiny creatures are truly miracle workers.

We discovered that the shipment would arrive at 2:00 AM at the airport. The shipment would be available for customs clearance at 4:00 AM. All the necessary paperwork would arrive with the shipment. I planned to meet the flight, clear customs and deliver the parcel directly to the hospital.

I called to update Arlene. "Joe, this is just the miracle we need."

At 4:05 AM, I approached the customs officer. The officer was sympathetic to the emergency nature of the shipment. Then she read the description of the goods. "Leeches! I suppose they still drill holes in people's heads to let the voices out."

"You do your job and I'll do mine." I reminded the officer that there was a patient waiting for this shipment. The officer released the shipment and I was on my way to the hospital.

For me, it's just another happy client. I'm Joe Saturday, this is the city, I work here, I'm the International Trade Advisor. I'm off to another case."